Smit backs So'oialo after Krige blast

Former South Africa captain Corne Krige has come under fire from current Springboks skipper John Smit for questioning the ability of New Zealand’s Rodney So’oialo.

So’oialo has been named All Blacks captain in the absence of the injured Richie McCaw and has also been selected to cover for his team-mate on the openside flank in the opening Tri-Nations Test in Wellington on Saturday, despite being a specialist number eight.

Krige questioned the wisdom of both decisions, but Smit believes Krige’s comments that So’oialo would not command as much respect as McCaw had no “validity”.

“I can’t see how much Corne has had to do with Rodney,” Smit said. “We seem to have a company in South Africa called ’Rent-a-Quote’ and Corne’s at the top of the list at the moment.

“I wouldn’t say there’s any validity in that. I know Rodney personally and I’ve played against him for many years. He might not be as talkative but he’s certainly as active on the field, and that’s what counts the most as captain.”

Krige, who captained South Africa in 18 of his 39 Tests, also felt New Zealand were playing into South Africa’s hands by playing So’oialo in a left and right combination with Adam Thomson and having Jerome Kaino at number eight.

But the Springboks’ loose forward Schalk Burger believes So’oialo is more than capable of making the switch to the flank.